How do I update my daughter's passport photo taken when she was small?

by Eric
(Jacksonville, FL)

Question: Does it matter that the photo on my daughter's passport has her "little girl" look and she is now in high school? What is the procedure to update the photo or do I need to worry about this issue?

Answer: The only way to update a photo in a passport is to apply for a new passport. Passports issued to minors are valid for five years. You only need to apply to get your daughter a new passport if her current one is expired or near the expiration date.

Note, passport holders are encouraged to submit the application for a new passport approximately nine months prior to expiration. This is because 1) it can take up to three months to process the application in some circumstances and 2) many countries require up to six months of validity in the passport before they will allow a traveler to enter.

In summary, if your daughter's passport will have more than six months of validity beyond her next planned trip abroad, then there is no need to apply at this time. If, however, the expiration date is nine months or less away, then you are encouraged to apply for a new one.

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